Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Property News

<html><body>
Smart Property Investment magazine teamed up with three experts in June 2012 to pick 20 "inner city steals": suburbs where one in four units were selling for $300,000 or less.
CoreLogic RP Data's Cameron Kusher, Domain Group senior economist Andrew Wilson and SQM Research founder Louis Christopher ranked 20 suburbs within three kilometres of capital city CBDs based on their capital growth potential over a five year period.
At the halfway point of their time horizon, we've taken a <a href="/expert-insights/investing/looking-back-on-2012s-inner-city-steals">look back at the 20 suburbs</a> to see how they're faring.
We've picked the list's winners – the five suburbs which have displayed the biggest median unit price growth between June 2012 and the end of 2014. We've also identified the five biggest losing suburbs, where the median unit price was lower at the end of last year than it was in mid-2012. Note that any price growth or decline may not have been consistent over the 18 month period, and the percentage differences may display season variations.
<h3>The Winners:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Wayville, South Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $312,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $608,500 Price change: 95%
<ul>
<li>North Melbourne, Victoria:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $390,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $495,000 Price change: 26.9%
<ul>
<li>North Hobart, Tasmania:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $312,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $375,000 Price change: 20.2%
<ul>
<li>Kent Town, South Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $505,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $600,000 Price change: 18.8%
<ul>
<li>North Perth, Western Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $385,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $452,500 Price change: 17.5%
<h3>The losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>West Leederville, Western Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $385,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $452,500 Price change: -23.5%
<ul>
<li>Keswick, South Australia:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $240,000 Last recorded median unit price: $202,500 Price change:-15.6%
<ul>
<li>New Town, Tasmania:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $270,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $240,000 Price change: -11.1%
<ul>
<li>West Hobart, Tasmania:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $330,000 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $317,000 Price change: -3.9%
<ul>
<li>Carlton, Victoria:</li>
</ul>
Median unit price in June 2012: $297,500 Median unit price at the end of 2014: $290,000 Price change: -2.5%
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

The 2012 so-called inner city "steals" winners and losers 

<html><body>
Clifton, a historic estate in Tasmania's Ranelegh, is on SQM Research's top 10 most discounted properties list, with its asking price halved.
The circa 1850 property, with a main house that dates back to 1865, has been on the market for more than two years. The Huon Valley home remained in the same family until it was first sold in 2000, and has since been used as both a family home and as a bed and breakfast.
The property includes a 25 bedroom house and gardens, which are listed by the National Trust. There are also two separate guest cottages, parklands and paddocks. Clifton was first listed for $2 million 743 days ago, and is now listed with an asking price of $995,000.
<h3>SQM Research's top 10 most discounted properties:</h3>
<ol>
<li>
1/35 Empire Drive, Kincumber, NSW   Initial listing price: $889,000  Now asking: $400,000  Reduction: 55%  Days on market: 380 
</li>
<li>
2 Louisa Street, Ranelagh, Tas   Initial listing price: $2 million  Now asking: $995,000  Reduction: 50%  Days on market: 743 
</li>
<li>
118 Queen Street, Oberon, NSW   Initial listing price: $299,000  Now asking: $149,000 Reduction: 50%  Days on market: 813 
</li>
<li>
 Gymea Bay, NSW   This property's details have now been corrected, and it is no longer included on SQM Research's Top 10 list. It has been removed from the article at SQM Research's request. 
</li>
<li>
6 Gatumba Street, Myora, Dunwich, QLD   Initial listing price: $1.5 million  Now asking: $825,000  Reduction: 45%  Days on market: 260 
</li>
<li>
8/109 Mitchell Street, Brunswick, Vic   Initial listing price: $670,000  Now asking: $390,000  Reduction: 42%  Days on market: 168 
</li>
<li>
948 Priestdale Street, Rochedale, QLD Initial listing price: $2.8 million  Now asking: $1.65 million  Reduction: 41%  Days on market: 540 
</li>
<li>
78 Walters Road, Wattle Grove, Tas Initial listing price: $1.15 million  Now asking: $675,000  Reduction: 40%  Days on market: 414 
</li>
<li>
10 Jenkins Court, Upper Coomera, QLD Initial listing price: $1.15 million  Now asking: $700,000  Reduction: 39%  Days on market: 434 
</li>
<li>
114 Attfield Street, Maddington, WA   Initial listing price: $629,950  Now asking: $385,000  Reduction: 39% Days on market: 512</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Historic Tasmanian estate on SQM's most discounted list

<html><body>
In June 2012, Smart Property Investment published a list of 20 inner-city suburbs where apartments were available for a "steal".
Each of the 20 suburbs were located within five kilometres of a capital CBD. One in four units in each suburb had to sell for $300,000 or less.
The magazine teamed up with an expert panel: Domain Group senior economist Andrew Wilson, SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher and RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher. Together, they selected the suburbs, grouped them by states and ranked them on their potential for capital growth over five years.
A lot has happened since June 2012. Melbourne's apartment boom has continued to dizzying heights, Hobart had a surprisingly strong start to 2015, and Perth's price recovery in the wake of the mining boom has been more modest than some had hoped.
We're now halfway through the five year time horizon set out by the experts in June 2012, so Property Observer takes a look at how the inner city steals are performing. The updated median price and gross yield figures are taken from CoreLogic RP Data, as of the end of 2014. The vacancy rate figures are taken from SQM Research.
<h3>Hobart</h3>
Hobart's unit prices haven't fared so well in the last year – in fact, they've gone down in value, with Corelogic RP Data recording a 5.7% decrease in prices in the year to March. Of all the expert's Tasmanian picks, North Hobart has performed the best, with a median unit price of $375,000 at the end of 2014 compared to $312,000 in June 2012.
#20: <a href="/news">South Hobart, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $290,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 4.4%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $297,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2%</li>
</ul>
#19 <a href="/news">Sandy Bay, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $377,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 5.1%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $378,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.2%</li>
</ul>
#18 <a href="/news">West Hobart, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $330,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 3.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $317,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.1%</li>
</ul>
#17 <a href="/news">North Hobart, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $312,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 3.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $375,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.1%</li>
</ul>
#16 <a href="/news">New Town, Tasmania</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $270,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.4%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $240,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.2%</li>
</ul>
<h3>Melbourne</h3>
Melbourne's inner city units have received a lot of press in the last two years, due to a particularly pronounced spike in approvals, and construction. The new crop of apartment towers has lead many to ask if the city has an <a href="/news/vic/exclusive-does-melbourne-have-an-oversupply-problem">oversupply problem</a>, and may soon see a <a href="/expert-insights/buying/price-correction-looming-in-wake-of-melbourne-apartment-boom-bis-shrapnel">price correction</a>.
As the suburbs of choice for many student renters, the inner city steals spotlighted all displayed seasonal spikes in vacancy rates around the summer holiday period.
#15 <a href="/news">Melbourne, Victoria</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $379,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 4.6%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $445,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 3.5%</li>
</ul>
#14 <a href="/news">Carlton, Victoria</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $297,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 7%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $290,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 7%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.9%</li>
</ul>
#13 <a href="/news">North Melbourne, Victoria</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $390,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $495,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.6%</li>
</ul>
<h3>Adelaide</h3>
The experts picked seven Adelaide suburbs for their list in 2012. They aren't the only ones that believe in the South Australian capital's potential: in July last year, observer Terry Ryder wrote that Adelaide was a "standout market". The city's unit prices increased by 2.6% in the year to March, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
#12 <a href="/news">Rose Park, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $460,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.1%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $447,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.7%</li>
</ul>
#11 <a href="/news">Keswick, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $240,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.0%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $202,500 (last recorded)</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 7%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.8%</li>
</ul>
#10 <a href="/news">Ashford, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $291,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 7.0%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $294,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.8%</li>
</ul>
#9 <a href="/news">Kent Town, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $505,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 3%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.1%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $600,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 3%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.7%</li>
</ul>
#8 <a href="/news">Wayville, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $312,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.8%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $608,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 3%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.9%</li>
</ul>
#7 <a href="/news">Goodwood, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $337,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $388,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.9%</li>
</ul>
#6 <a href="/news">Mile End, South Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $390,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 4%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.8%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $395,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.9%</li>
</ul>
<h3>Sydney</h3>
Only one Sydney suburb made the inner city steals list, which makes sense given Sydney prices stand head and shoulders above the other capital cities. Just like the rest of Sydney, Ultimo has recorded strong growth in recent years – the median price of units at the end of 2014 is $63,500, or 15%, higher than it was in June 2012.
#5 <a href="/news">Ultimo, New South Wales</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $414,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.3%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $478,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 1.4%</li>
</ul>
<h3>Perth</h3>
Perth's inner city suburbs topped the list, with four picks. While the Kusher, Christopher and Wilson unanimously agreed that Perth's suburbs should rank highest, the results so far are mixed. Trendy Mount Lawley's end of 2014 median unit price is 16% higher than the June 2012's (with a similar result in North Perth). But in West Leederville, the median unit price is down, from $482,500 to $369,000, with the vacancy rate up from 0.9% to 2.4%.
#4 <a href="/news">West Leederville, Western Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $482,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 3%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.9%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $369,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2.4%</li>
</ul>
#3 <a href="/news">North Perth, Western Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $385,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.6%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $452,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 2%</li>
</ul>
#2 <a href="/news">Mount Lawley, Western Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $382,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.4%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $445,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 4.5%</li>
</ul>
#1 <a href="/news">Highgate, Western Australia</a>
Then:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $365,000</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 5%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 0.3%</li>
</ul>
Now:
<ul>
<li>Median price: $412,500</li>
<li>Gross rental yield: 6%</li>
<li>Vacancy rate: 3.2%</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

Looking back on 2012's "inner city steals"

<html><body>
Ena, the finest steam yacht in Australia, has been listed for sale. It is marketed as one of only three remaining in the world. 
It was built in 1901 by Watty Ford for Sir Thomas Dibbs, commodore of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Its name is taken from Dibbs’ wife Tryphena.
It was designed by Walter Reeks.
Reeks also designed his own house Twynham in Mosman in the late 1880s, and died there aged 64 in 1925.
Shortly after its launch, it undertook war service as HMAS Sleuthin in World War I in the Torres Strait. 
Ena had sank in the waters near Hobart in 1981 after hitting a submerged object. She was then salvaged and bought back to Sydney where it is believed $4 million was spent on her purchase and re-fitting. 
After its mid-1980s restoration to her former Edwardian glory, notoriety followed the ship during its ownership by miner Pat Burke and his former chums Rene Rivkin and David Baffsky. 
The yacht was moored in Sydney for 25 years but it now calls Melbourne home with owner Warwick Turner saying “steam is something that just gets in your blood”.
The steam yacht Ena once circumnavigated Australia, spending some time in Perth for the America's Cup.
The yacht incorporates timbers from HMS Nelson, launched in Britain in 1814.
Its designer, Walter Reeks was responsible for other icons of Sydney Harbour including the steam yacht, Boomerang.
The 29 metre steam yacht has been listed by <a href="https://www.mossgreen.com.au/content/ena-australias-finest-steam-yacht/" target="_blank">Paul Sumner at Mossgreen</a>. 
It was listed as an item of movable cultural heritage, which would require an export licence. The auction will take place at Mossgreen on 19 May.
"We are keen to find a buyer in Australia anyway," says Paul Sumner who is quoting $1.2 million plus.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Ena, the Edwardian steamship, listed for auction

<html><body>
Currently available for high net worth investors, the Brick Exchange Pty Ltd (BrickX) is a newly established trading platform that offers investors easy access to an array of residential properties.
There is a minor required minimum investment, with the purchase of ‘Bricks’ sometimes starting from as little as $66. 
So far the trust has two properties including an apartment in Mosman, Sydney, where BrickX is brokering equity for as little as $126.
It bought the two bedroom 18/5 Parriwi Road, Mosman NSW for (pictured above and below) for $1.2 million with it recently available with an asking rent at $995 a week, but reduced to let at $950 a week.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2015/03/30/mosman.jpg" alt="">
Investors can also buy into their Enmore apartment at $66 per investment. The one bedroom 1/159 Enmore Road apartment cost $620,000 and was initially available for rent at $590 a week, adjusted to $575 a week.
CoreLogic RP Data put the Mosman apartment median currently at $800,000 and at $604,500 in Enmore.
After being ascribed a $1.26 million asset value, BrickX has suggested the Mosman fundamentals were: 
<table border="1" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Gross Yield
</td>
<td>
4.12%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Net Yield
</td>
<td>
3.23%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
After being ascribed a $660,000 asset value, BrickX has suggested the Enmore fundamentals were: 
<table border="1" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Gross Yield
</td>
<td>
4.82%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Net Yield
</td>
<td>
3.64%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Around 120 Bricks have been sold for the Enmore property with 9879 remaining and 158 for the Mosman opportunity with 9,842 remaining.
BrickX is actively scouting the inner bayside suburbs of Melbourne, but yet to find its first there. The aim is to acquire around 20 residential properties over the next year. 
BrickX takes a flat 2% brokerage fee on each purchase of bricks.
The platform allows a customised online portfolio with individual digital wallet accounts providing monthly income distributions - all without the investor troubled by the time and worry of property management. 
Bricks are initially offered at acquisition price, plus stamp duty along with legal fees and advisory.
Each Brick attracts a monthly dividend yield from the rental of the property that is calculated after rent, less strata levies, water rates, council rates, maintenance, management fees, debt interest and principal repayments.
Once issued and sold out the price of Bricks will be based on investor demand and sentiment. 
The buying and selling of Bricks will be facilitated through The BrickX Platform with the liquidity or otherwise driven by the number of investors and how long they each intend to hold onto their Bricks. 
Once a year it will conduct an annual general meeting for every BrickX Trust, and allowing owners to visually inspect the property. 
Markus Kahlbetzer is the co-founder of <a href="https://www.brickx.com/" target="_blank">BrickX</a> with Darren Patterson, having devised what they envisage as an easy route into investing in residential property across Australia.
Darren Patterson said they are helping to make purchasing property more accessible by facilitating liquidity and "seeking to bring transparency to what has been a convoluted and expensive process for far too long.”
It presents an exposure to Australia’s residential market rather than through traditional investing in major banks or through residential mortgage-backed securities and real estate investment trusts (REITs), which have mostly catered for commercial, retail and industrial investors. 
While it has launched licensed to attract only the wholesale investor, the  ambition is to make BrickX property investing available to everyone possibly within a year or two.
On the debt front, BrickX intends treading lightly, with low or no gearing.
Each BrickX Trust has 10,000 Brickx for investors to buy and to ensure there is no major holder of Bricks, and to facilitate liquidity in Bricks, the maximum number of Bricks an investor may hold in any BrickX Trust is 5%, or 500 Bricks.
"We are focusing on wholesale investors with assets worth $2.5 million and/or who are earning $250,000 or more and have done so for two consecutive years," Darren Patterson said.
"We can also help self-managed super fund investors who meet the wholesale requirements."
BrickX is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BridgeLane Group, a private equity investment company. 
BrickX says its was carefully selecting properties based on a number of key strengths, which include: 
<ul>
<li>Studio, one and two bedroom apartments</li>
<li>Healthy strata budgets</li>
<li>Blocks without features that typically increase the cost (such as pools)</li>
<li>Sound structural health (i.e. no water issues, concrete cancer etc.)</li>
<li>Floor area greater than 46 square metres</li>
<li>Modern internal fit-out</li>
<li>New or recently renovated or remodelled and requiring little additional maintenance or investment.</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

BrickX offers $126 entry into Mosman market for high net worth property investors

<html><body>
SQM Research's top 10 most discounted properties list shows the homes around the country that have been untouched by any recent growth in our property markets.
The 10 homes just can't seem to budge, despite price cuts and months – sometimes years, on the market.
One property that can't seem to secure a buyer is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-oberon-112406507" target="_blank">118 Queen Street in Oberon</a>, New South Wales.
The modest one bedroom house on a 585 square metre plot is now priced at $149,000, after a 50% price cut. The Blue Mountains house has been on the market for 800 days, according to SQM Research, although CoreLogic RP Data places the home's current campaign at 1011 days long.
<a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">SQM Research</a>'s top 10 most discounted properties:
<ol>
<li>1/35 Empire Drive, Kincumber, NSW Initial listing price: $889,000 Now asking: $400,000 Reduction: 55% Days on market: 366 
</li>
<li>2 Louisa Street, Ranelagh, Tas Initial listing price: $2 million Now asking: $995,000 Reduction: 50% Days on market: 730 
</li>
<li>118 Queen Street, Oberon, NSW Initial listing price: $299,000 Now asking: $149,000 Reduction: 50% Days on market: 800 
</li>
<li>202-204 Gymea Bay Road, Gymea Bay, NSW Initial listing price: $1.8 million Now asking: $900,000 Reduction: 50% Days on market: 100 
</li>
<li>6 Gatumba Street, Myora, Dunwich, QLD Initial listing price: $1.5 million Now asking: $825,000 Reduction: 45% Days on market: 247 
</li>
<li>8/109 Mitchell Street, Brunswick, Vic Initial listing price: $670,000 Now asking: $390,000 Reduction: 42% Days on market: 156 
</li>
<li>114 Attfield Street, Maddington, WA Initial listing price: $629,950 Now asking: $385,000 Reduction: 39% Days on market: 499 
</li>
<li>292 Carabooda Road, Carabooda, WA Initial listing price: $1.65 million Now asking: $1,032,000 Reduction: 37% Days on market: 581 
</li>
<li>1 Dunraven Court, Sydenham, Vic Initial listing price: $780,000 Now asking: $490,000 Reduction: 37% Days on market: 317 
</li>
<li>219 Bernard Road North, Carabooda, WA Initial listing price: $3.5 million Now asking: $2,272,000 Reduction: 35% Days on market: 581</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Oberon, NSW home on the market for over two years: SQM Research's top 10 most discounted list

<html><body>
A Sydney-based property management company has been fined $9,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court after advertising properties for rent and managing them on behalf of their owners without being licensed in Western Australia.
It was also found to have failed to lodge two bonds with the WA Bond Administrator.                                  
H and Z Group Pty Ltd, trading as Asset HQ Property Management Specialists, had lodged an application for a real estate agent’s licence in August 2013 but it was withdrawn by the company before being granted.
Asset HQ deny the claim, but were not in court to defend the matter last Friday.
Lawyers for Consumer Protection told the court that between June 2013 and September 2013 the company advertised online properties available for rent in Singleton, Carlisle, Landsdale, Rockingham and Butler.
The company then managed a number of those properties between July 2013 and January 2014. 
The company website says Asset HQ is a member of The Real Estate Institute of Australia, The Property Council of Australia and complies with the Australian Competition &amp; Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Department of Fair Trading.
"These memberships provide landlords and tenants with an assurance that they will receive the highest level of customer service," the licensee in charge advised on the company website.
It blames an unintended mix-up.
On 20 March 2015 Asset HQ Property Management Specialists was fined $7,000 for operating in WA without a licence, in breach of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act, and $1,000 on each of the two charges of failing to lodge bonds. 
Magistrate Hall said the company’s conduct was made worse by the fact that they were aware of the obligations but continued to conduct their business without a licence.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said real estate agents trading on a national basis must be licensed in each jurisdiction in which they operate.
“Operating in WA without a licence is a serious offence, so national businesses must ensure they have the necessary licences and registrations in place before they advertise their services and conduct business here,” Driscoll said.
“Real estate and tenancy laws can vary from state to state, so agents operating across state and territory borders should check to ensure they are complying with the relevant real estate and tenancy laws.”
</body></html>

Sydney property management company fined for interstate rental bond lodgement failures

<html><body>
While Tasmania continues to favour buyers, Sydney and Melbourne offered even more favourable conditions for sellers in January 2015, according to the latest Commonwealth Bank/CoreLogic RP Data Home Buyer's Index.
The index is based on the number of properties listed to sale compared to the number of loans the Commonwealth Bank has signed in the same period.
According to the index, the top five best buyer's markets in Australia are:
<ol>
<li>Mersey-Lyell, TAS</li>
<li>Wide Bay-Burnett, QLD</li>
<li>South West, QLD</li>
<li>Mackay, QLD</li>
<li>West Moreton, QLD</li>
</ol>
Source: Commonwealth Bank/CoreLogic RP Data Home Buyer's Index
Tasmania's subdued market has consistently offered the most affordable options for buyers in recent years. The Mersey-Lyell statistical division, also known as the Cradle Coast region, includes Burnie, Devonport, Queenstown and Smithton.
In Burnie, where the median house price is currently $259,000 according to CoreLogic RP Data, this Queen Anne federation house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-burnie-119166255" target="_blank">13 Charles Street</a> is currently on the market for $349,000.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/burnie%201.jpg" alt="">
The four bedroom house set on 951 square metres is a two minute walk to the town centre and has two bathrooms. The vendors purchased the home for $290,000 in 2004.
Another Burnie home, at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/20-garner-court-burnie/Property-Details-buy-residential-8528798" target="_blank">20 Garner Court</a>, is on the market for $159,000. The three bedroom solid brick home is currently tenanted. Advertised at $200 per week in 2012, at its current asking price (assuming the rent has stayed constant) the home would yield 6.5%.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/20-Garner-Court-Burnie-TAS-7320-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-8528798.jpg" alt="">
The vendors paid $122,000 for the house in 2006.
According to CoreLogic RP Data, the median price of a house in Devonport was $240,000.
The vendors of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/5-croft-avenue-devonport/Property-Details-buy-residential-8367416" target="_blank">5 Croft Avenue in Devonport</a> are currently accepting offers over $239,000 for this three bedroom house.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/5-Croft-Avenue-Devonport-TAS-7310-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-8367416.jpg" alt="">
Having lived in the home since 1967, the owners are now selling the house, which sits on a 726 square metre plot.
<a href="https://harcourts.com.au/Property/591457/TBN23275/25-Bellavista-Road">25 Bellavista Road in Romaine</a> is listed at $440,000 after 550 days on the market. The three bedroom house on a 2.2 hectare plot was purchased for $114,000 in 1993 and built in 1977.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/833-TBN23275-Burnie.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-burnie-116242339" target="_blank">16 View Road, Burnie</a>, (pictured below) has been on the market since December last year with an asking price of $348,000. The vendors attempted to sell the home in February of last year, with an asking price of $349,000, but pulled it off the market after two months. They paid $310,000 for the house in 2011.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/16%20view%20road.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/9-jorgensen-street-montello/Property-Details-buy-residential-5706719" target="_blank">9 Jorgensen Street</a> in Montello has been listed for more than two years – 747 days – at its current asking price of $195,000.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/9-Jorgensen-Street-Montello-TAS-7320-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-5706719.jpg" alt="">
The vendors, who bought the house for $185,000 in 2008, also attempted to sell the house in 2011, at $195,000, but took it off the market after two months. In late 2013, it was advertised to rent at $195 per week, representing a yield of 5.2% at its current asking price.
In Upper Burnie, <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/2-11-crudwell-court-upper-burnie/Property-Details-buy-residential-4459355" target="_blank">2/11 Crudwell Court</a> has been listed for 925 days.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/2-11-Crudwell-Court-Upper-Burnie-TAS-7320-Real-Estate-photo-4-large-4459355.jpg" alt="">
Vendors are asking for $189,000 for the investment unit. It is currently tenanted at $200 per week which represents a rental yield of 5.5% of its asking price. They  paid $175,000 for the home in 2007.
The other four of the top five buyer's markets are all located in Queensland, with the Commmonwealth Bank noting that the "best opportunities for buyers at a state level can be found in mining markets or coastal suburbs in Queensland, Western Australia the Northern Territory. The bank advises buyers seeking properties in capital cities to focus on Hobart, Brisbane and Darwin.
Dan Huggins, General Manager Home Loans Commonwealth Bank, says: "As demand in Sydney and Melbourne continues to be strong, the January 2015 Report highlights that these are the best markets for sellers."
The east coast cities took out the top two markets for favourable vendor conditions.
The top five best sellers' markets:
1. Sydney, NSW
2. Melbourne, VIC
3. Central Highlands, VIC
4. Adelaide, SA
5. Loddon, VIC
Source: Commonwealth Bank/CoreLogic RP Data Home Buyer's Index
</body></html>

Tasmania's Mersey-Lyell named the nation's best buyers' market 

<html><body>
A Perth-based startup is looking to connect everyday investors with property developers who are seeking capital for their next project.
<a href="https://crowdfundup.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CrowdfundUP</a>, Australia’s first real estate crowdfunding platform, hopes to tap into the global property market. 
Perth-based real estate developer Megara will be the first real estate developer in Australia to participate in the platform’s developer partner program.
CrowdfundUP founder John Quigley said the platform will allow all kinds of Australians to invest in property.
“Nine out of 10 Australian invest in property or have an exposure to the Australian property market,” he says.
“They know their suburbs, they know what’s going on around them. What we do is introduce investors to opportunities and then when they pull together they have increased buying power and that’s the benefit.”
Quigley says he hopes the startup will provide a streamlined and transparent process – with individuals able to invest from as little as $100.
“We’re not saying we’re immune from a property bubble or anything else – it’s the same as investing in the property market,” he says.
“But what it is allowing you to do is that on a smaller scale so you don’t have to have that big exposure.”
Quigley says real estate crowdfunding has “exploded” in countries such as the US and UK.
“Australia is perfectly placed to make a completely tailored regime that suits our purposes,” he says.
“I want change and I want it done in a timely matter, but I don’t want something rushed through that’s going to hamstring industry and that we’re going to have to deal with for another four years.”
The crowdfunding space is <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/financing-a-business/venture-crowd-and-sydney-angels-team-up-to-put-equity-crowdfunding-on-the-agenda/2015031714358" target="_blank">heating up in Australia</a>. Yesterday, equity crowdfunding platform VentureCrowd announced a partnership with Sydney Angels.
Sydney Angels founder David Jackson said people who are not high-net worth individuals should have the opportunity to invest in startups.
“Everyone’s heard of the Facebooks and Googles but without equity crowdfunding it’s often hard for the mum and dad investors to get a piece,” he says.
“It’s high-risk investing, don’t get me wrong, but for them to put a small percentage of their investment portfolio into high-risk ventures that might give them a high return… will be a good opportunity.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartUpSmart</a>.
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Australia’s first property crowdfunding platform hits the market

<html><body>
A Sydney startup is looking to make it easier for travellers to pitch up a tent in a property owner’s backyard or park their caravan in their driveway in exchange for cash.
<a href="https://www.home-camp.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Homecamp</a>, which launched in January this year, has just over 700 users and is available in seven countries.
Hosts are able to upload photos of their backyard and any additional facilities and set their own pricing. On average the platform’s users pay $30 for each night of their stay.
Payment made between the host and customer in person – however, online transactions and insurance will be available in the coming months.
Founder David Abitbol, who comes from France, said the early-stage platform is very similar to Airbnb but specifically for campers and travellers.
“We were backpackers and travelling Australia and we were struggling to find a place to park our van on the coastline,” he says.
“You can’t really find somewhere to park your van because it’s forbidden to park your van in the street and you expose yourself to the rangers and fines.”
Abitbol says he came up with the idea after noticing how Australians tend to have large properties and backyards.
“I thought maybe it’s a good idea to start a website to connect those people with extra space with backpackers looking for a place to stay. It’s a win-win.”
The startup is based out of Fishburners, which Abitbol says is useful because it means he has space for networking as well as interns.
“It is quite helpful because they provide free workshops and there are lots of people doing a similar thing,” he says.
Homecamp recently received $50,000 of seed funding from a few French investors in order to “pay the bills”.
Abitbol says he isn’t worried about running into regulatory problems, despite accommodation giant <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/growth/airbnb-runs-into-regulatory-problems-in-victoria/2015020314066" target="_blank">Airbnb drawing the ire of real estate agents</a> and policymakers in Victoria.
“From my perspective it is the market that should decide,” he says.
“If people use it and like it and it’s good value for campers and good value for home owners, then they [regulators] have to change and be flexible. They have to let people innovate… because otherwise it will end up blocking entrepreneurs and I don’t think that’s good for home owners but also Australia and the world.”
“If Airbnb and Uber are doing it, it means that we can do it as well.”
Abitbol also brushed off concerns that Homecamp would not be able to compete with Airbnb, which has raised more than $800 million to date.
“Airbnb are the luxury brand with villas and going to the camping industry or market would not be matching with their brand,” he says.
“This is a niche market for them, they’re looking for $80, $100 in rent because otherwise they’re not making money. Camping is often seen as cheap and old fashioned, which is why I don’t think it’s a market for Airbnb.”
In New South Wales, property owners have been <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/councils-threaten-home-owners-with-1-million-fine-for-renting-rooms-20140926-10mchq" rel="nofollow">threatened with fines of more than $1 million</a> for renting out rooms on Airbnb and other short-term accommodation platforms because regulators deemed they were running unauthorised bed and breakfasts.
According to the Tenants Union of Victoria, tenants are not allowed to sublet their property without written consent from their landlord.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartUpSmart</a>.
</body></html>

Property News

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Property News

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News